Li Zhi was unaware of whether he had a destiny or not. He had always believed that his fate was in his own hands, not in the hands of heaven. He did not believe in the so-called "three lines and five lines" or the so-called "imperial calamities."
He would overcome any obstacles and dismiss the so-called fate as nonsense. All the troubles were caused by people, not by some dogmatic fate.
The Happy Fish Ball shop remained unchanged, with a temperature that was neither too hot nor too cold. Despite the bustling activity in the neighboring shop, loyal customers still came to buy the Happy Fish Ball. Some even bought fish balls from the Happy Fish Ball shop and then went to the neighboring shop, Open Smile Fish Ball, because they had chairs and drinks to rest.
The counterfeit Open Smile Fish Ball shop was also popular, but after a few days, the Happy Fish Ball shop returned to its original state. Despite the new bustling establishment next door, the sales of fish balls remained the same, if not increased.
Without the grand publicity of Open Smile Fish Ball, it relied solely on word of mouth. Whether it was delicious or not, one could sense its taste immediately. Word of mouth might deceive people, but taste cannot.
The Zhao family's attempt to bankrupt the Happy Fish Ball shop through a counterfeit shop was proving to be quite difficult.
When one trick failed, they attempted another.
Unable to undermine the Happy Fish Ball shop with counterfeit products, the opposing party released a message alleging that Happy Fish Ball contained additives that were not only addictive but also toxic and detrimental to health. Gradually, reports of customers being poisoned came from more than a dozen branches in the city.
Sophie was well aware of who was behind these rumors. She had originally thought that with the Zhao family's power, they would not stoop to such despicable tricks. However, she was surprised to find that the Zhao family was even more despicable than she had imagined.
Spreading rumors was one thing, but convincing people to act as customers and falsely incriminate others was another.
Miss Su was not someone to be trifled with. Although she had many disagreements with Li Zhi, the Happy Fish Ball was now under her control, and she owned shares in the company. Naturally, she could not allow the Zhao family to use such despicable means to ruin the Happy Fish Ball.
When the Zhao family resorted to underhanded tactics against the Happy Fish Ball, Miss Su confronted them alone.
Zhao Sihai was not present, but Zhao Guojian, the nominal head of the Zhao family, met with her. What they discussed was unknown to others.
All that could be seen was Zhao Guojian smiling as he escorted Miss Su to the company's door and then drove away in his car.
She, Miss Su, would accompany them to the end. Even if she lost, it would not be shameful. But if they wanted to use such despicable means, they should not blame her for using her influence to suppress them.
The Happy Fish Ball may not be well-known outside the city, but Miss Su had the Su Group backing her.
If her children were being bullied outside, how could she stand by and watch? If they couldn't compete with such despicable means, wouldn't they go to their parents for help?
In the city, the Zhao family was prominent, but outside the city, they were insignificant. Miss Su made it clear that if the Zhao family dared to use despicable means against the Happy Fish Ball again, the Su Group would take action against the Zhao family's projects outside the city. It was not that they couldn't afford it, but they were the ones who lacked integrity and would have to bear the consequences.
Soon, all the negative rumors about the Happy Fish Ball in the city disappeared as quickly as they had come.
Furthermore, the Happy Fish Ball has also obtained an inspection report from the provincial quality supervision bureau, verifying that it is free from any additives or preservatives. At the same time, the Happy Fish Ball was willing to accept supervision from society, organizations, and individuals. If any department discovers harmful additives in the Happy Fish Ball, the company would be willing to shut down.
No second thoughts!
Under the threat of Open Smile Fish Ball's app, Miss Su also decided to start selling online. Eighteen stores were all connected to the city's largest takeaway network, allowing nearby customers to order meals online.
This was only temporary, as Miss Su was secretly recruiting people to develop the Happy Fish Ball's own app for online sales.
As long as the Zhao family did not resort to underhanded tactics, Miss Su was not afraid of competition, even if it was highly imitative.
Li Zhi's words were right: always imitated, never surpassed.
While Li Zhi did not intervene in the affairs of the Happy Fish Ball, he was not unaware of the Zhao family's actions. If he were in their shoes, how would he deal with the Zhao family's despicable actions?
Miss Su was able to pressure the Zhao family with the Su Group's name, but what about him?
Li Zhi had no way to suppress the Zhao family. In this regard, Dong Xiaorou had a good eye. In the business world, as long as the methods were effective, it didn't matter if they were despicable. Since they were opponents, who cared if the means were despicable or not?
The victor writes history, and the loser has no one to plead for them.
Time can cover everything. History is written by the victors, and it has always been so.
This might be just the first wave against the Happy Fish Ball. Even though Miss Su's appearance disrupted some of the Zhao family's plans, Zhao Sihai's stubborn temperament would not allow them to give up easily.
This time, Miss Su was using the name of the Su Group. However, if the Zhao family made another move, even with Miss Su's presence, the Su Group would not intervene unless Li Zhi was willing to let the Su Group take control of the Happy Fish Ball.
Zhao Guojian couldn't understand, but Zhao Sihai, the old fox, could easily figure it out. It was all about interests!
Zhao Sihai didn't necessarily have to destroy the Happy Fish Ball company; he simply wanted Li Zhi to lose control of it to keep him in check. Whether the survival of the Happy Fish Ball mattered to the Zhao family was irrelevant.
If the Su Group could take control of the Happy Fish Ball, the Zhao family might even consider investing in it.
Miss Su only held twenty percent of the shares in Happy Fish Ball (China) Limited. If the Zhao family got wind of this, they would know where to attack.
For the time being, the Happy Fish Ball was stable, and Li Zhi didn't need to worry.
What Li Zhi needed to do was to strike a resounding blow at the Zhao family before they could react, to let them know that besides the Happy Fish Ball, he had other means, and no one could stop him from "emerging".
Even if the Happy Fish Ball was suppressed, he would make the Zhao family pay the price elsewhere.
In simple terms, Li Zhi was straightforward. If you don't provoke him, he won't provoke you. If you respect him, he will respect you in return.
But if someone tries to exploit him, he will certainly fight back.
He won't back down, won't suffer losses, will repay kindness, and seek revenge for enmity. If you don't treat him as a gentleman, once he holds a grudge, he will pursue it relentlessly, from morning till night, and won't let you off the hook.